Dear friends,

+ Economy Based on Endless Consumption Is Doomed:

Worldwide economic strain is a symptom of a deeper, spiritual crisis and a mistaken set of values, say European bishops. This crisis should not be underestimated.
Moderation as a   virtue should constitute the core of this change of lifestyle. It is up to Christians to make their fellow citizens aware that moderation can be synonymous with quality of life and with happiness, because it helps to distinguish the essential from the superfluous." 

Ready for some good tax news?
IRA Charitable rollover returns! For a limited time parishioners, age 70 1/2 and over, can make charitable gifts to St. Peter’s Church directly from their IRA. Congress recently passed a new law that revivies a powerful giving opportunity allowing parishioners to make an immediate impact at St. Peter’s in 2008.
* Authorize a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA to St. Peter’s
of any amount up to $100,000 in 2008.
* This distribution counts toward your required minimum distribution for the current tax year.
* The funds distributed are never included in your adjusted gross income. The
distribution goes to St. Peter’s tax-free.
* Even taxpayers who don’t itemize their deductions enjoy a tax benefit from giving under this new law.
Questions? - Please call the Archdiocese’s Office of Planned Giving at 312-655-7848 for answers, information and assistance. You can also go to www.Parishgift.org
Time is of the essence! These charitable IRA distributions often take time
to set in motion, and the time for this offer is limited. 

My Christmas prayer for you is that you have . . .
• A Sense of Meaning You are important, a co-creator with God
• A Sense of Yourself God created you & you are his Beloved
• A Sense of Relative Values Know what you can do without
• A Sense of Timing Your own time is the most precious possession
you have – use it wisely share it lovingly
• A Sense of Responsibility You are able to respond, in love, in truth, in hope to all of life.
• A Sense of Celebration “Where love rejoices there is the feast.”
• A Sense of Wonder Marvel at the marvels of this time
• A Sense of Beauty Take time to appreciate and savor the Beautiful
• A Sense of Fun A sense of humor, humility and humanity
• A Sense of Fidelity God is faithful